Forrest wins Final X best-of-three series, secures Senior World Team berth in men’s freestyle

FARGO, N.D.— Jax Forrest claimed his first Senior World Team berth on Monday, defeating 2023 Senior World Champion and 2024 Senior World bronze medalist Vito Arujau in two-straight matches. The delayed Final X Wrestle-off was held alongside the 2025 U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota.

In the first round, Arujau opened the scoring with a slick shot to the left leg, securing the takedown. Forrest quickly scrambled back to his feet, and in a tight exchange, managed to earn two points on a takedown of his own, making the score 2-2 and taking the lead on criteria.

Early in the second period, Arujau pushed ahead with a point from a step out, making it 3-2. With five seconds remaining, Forrest secured the deciding takedown, earning a 4-3 win and a 1-0 series lead.

In match two, Forrest quickly jumped to a 4-0 lead after catching the legs of Arujau and converting to a leg lace. In the second frame, Forrest built on his lead, scoring a step out point with just over two minutes remaining in the bout.

Arujau put his first points on the board with a go behind takedown, but Forrest countered for two and improved on his lead with just four seconds left in the match, winning 7-2.

The highly-anticipated men’s freestyle 61 kg series was delayed from the original June 14 Final X date to accommodate Arujau’s request for a medical delay—a right he earned by being a returning Senior World medalist.

Forrest earned the opportunity compete for the United States at the Senior World Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, September 13-21.

Forrest will enter his senior year at Bishop McCort High School this fall, and has committed to wrestle for Oklahoma State University.

Replays of both matches are available on FloWrestling.

Men’s Freestyle Best-of-Three Championship Series

61 kg – Jax Forrest (Johnstown, Pa./Cowboy RTC/Titan Mercury WC) defeated Vito Arujau (Ithaca, N.Y./Spartan Combat RTC/Titan Mercury WC), two matches to none

Bout 1 – Forrest dec. Arujau, 4-3

Bout 2 – Forrest dec. Arujau, 7-2